WSTA wants alcohol education for all kids

A call for alcohol education in schools to be made mandatory has been made by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

The call comes after the government’s announcement today that personal, social, and health education will become a compulsory subject for all children aged five to 16.

The government is yet to reveal details of the curriculum requirements for compulsory PSHE

The announcement coincided with the publication of research by the Department for Children, Schools & Families showing that buying alcohol is considered more acceptable by 15 and 16 year-olds than dropping litter.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: “Attitudes to alcohol need to change and consistent education abut it to all children is vital if we are to achieve that.”

Existing government curriculum guidance makes alcohol education a small part of compulsory science lessons, and an element of discretionary PSHE lessons.

The guidance describes alcohol education as “an important priority for schools” and says it should take “a harm-reduction approach”.

It goes on: “Schools may wish to explore the culture around alcohol by considering society’s views, family values, the media and commercial interests; the law controlling the sale and purchase of alcohol: and links between drinking, anti-social behaviour, personal safety, crime and sexual behaviour”.

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